Alaska's volcano erupts

After several weeks of close watching, Alaska's Mount Redoubt has finally erupted. The danger to Alaska's populated areas is unclear, but the ash cloud is close to the larger cities of Alaska.
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Alaska volcano Mount Redoubt erupts 3 times

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska's Mount Redoubt volcano has begun erupting.

Geologists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory say the volcano erupted three times late Sunday and early Monday, with the largest eruption sending a plume of smoke some 50,000 feet above sea level.

Mount Redoubt is roughly 100 miles southwest of Anchorage.

Geophysicist John Power says "this is a fairly large eruption, close to the larger cities in Alaska."

He says no cities have yet reported any ash fall from the volcano, but noted that it's still early. (excerpt) read more at google.com/hostednews/ap